NoveLight ™
"That’s quite a straightforward statement."
"I apologize if it made you uncomfortable. Due to my profession, it’s difficult to speak indirectly…."
"I understand what you mean."
The straightforward way of speaking typical of soldiers in the field. In that respect, it would be hard to call this person an officer. He was likely someone who had served for several years as a non-commissioned officer. The information I had gathered also supported that.
Anyway, I lifted the cup of steaming green tea. It was hot and green. It wasn’t in the form of a tea bag; it was more like matcha. As the bitter taste spread in my mouth, my mood shifted slightly.
While I didn’t know much about the flavor, it seemed quite good for calming the mind. The bitter taste seemed to erase all the trivial thoughts.
In any case, with that in mind, perhaps I should also speak a little more directly, as he had.
"Is that all you wanted to discuss?"
"Strictly speaking, yes…."
A brief silence followed.
He glanced around the room and added,
"It’s still a bit early for the crowds to fill up. Moreover, this room is in the deepest part of the floor, so it’s safe to say there’s no foot traffic. It’s perfect for a somewhat sensitive conversation if it leaks outside."
"The decision to keep this room open will depend on the content of the discussion."
"I doubt it will be anything serious. Rather, I can guarantee that, aside from the vast career you’ve built up in such a short time, entering the Apex Predator pro league has brought forth quite an interesting story."
Hmm.
I nodded briefly. Although it seemed a sensitive topic was about to arise, there was a reason I didn’t stand up from my seat—it was because what he said was indeed true.
As he mentioned, objectively speaking, my coaching career was splendid. If I brought this record with me, even the North American professional teams, known for their unparalleled difficulty, would welcome me with open arms.
However, that aside, it was also true that I had only experienced the good parts of this field. To put it more specifically, rather than having only experienced the good parts, it was closer to having suppressed the shadowy aspects through various means.
Originally, I had seized a position that required not only coaching skills but also political savvy and eloquence purely based on ability.
Now was the time to listen to his insights regarding the areas I didn’t know about.
"In that case, I suppose I should first hear your thoughts on the sensitive parts."
"I was hoping you would say that."
He carefully moved his throat and set his cup down.
And he didn’t disappoint me.
"Have you ever thought about why North America and Europe dominate in the Dark Zone?"
"Partly due to excellent infrastructure, and because they’re operating at the forefront of the SOF community, high-quality personnel are automatically replenished in the market."
"That’s an excellent answer. Then let me ask the opposite. Why do foreign users seem unable to display their abilities in the Final Championship as if their limbs are bound?"
"Hmm."
I pondered this for a moment.
It wasn’t due to the time difference. They gave players a lengthy two-week period to adapt to it. No matter how long, adjusting to the time difference should be completely over within half that time.
For the same reason, the short adaptation period to New York could not be the explanation. The reason for adding an extra week to the adjustment period was trivial. Icarus International adjusted each player’s condition to the best it could be so that even the smallest detail wouldn’t cause any issues.
But that said, it wasn’t simply a matter of lack of practical experience; foreign players also trained through virtual reality.
So, why was that?
Why could the ones I taught fly?
Only then did my mouth open.
"That’s quite an interesting point."
"I thought you might find it so."
"In that case, what’s your view, Case?"
"It’s due to the absence of certain elements that cannot be encountered in simple, conventional training: extreme situational response, perseverance, and mental purity—things that can’t be filled with muscle memory. And even those who hinder such training."
He then glanced at me and added,
"…Of course, Yujin and the pro gamers under her have secured their competitiveness against North American and European players through extensive and technical situational training that bridges that gap. It’s an unexpected conclusion."
"This is the first time I’ve received such praise; it’s quite impressive."
"Your training is worthy of such compliments. In my home country, there are three teams just analyzing what tactics Yujin uses and what kind of curriculum she implements."
"Is it okay for you to tell me that?"
"It’s also a bonus to let you know that all three teams are experiencing progress that is difficult to even label as achievements."
Here, I couldn’t help but smirk.
I didn’t know how he would take that, but he cautiously began to speak.
Perhaps those words were the reason he wanted to meet me.
"I’m from the Special Operations Group of the Japan Self-Defense Forces. I believe you’re already aware that former special forces members are being headhunted as coaches or players for pro teams focused on the Dark Zone due to the high costs involved."
"That seems likely."
"While it appears to be the quickest and most useful way to reinforce excellent power on the surface, that doesn’t necessarily mean everything will go smoothly."
As if he were gathering his thoughts, he took another sip of green tea.
"Humans are creatures of inertia. Especially when it involves cash. The seniors and juniors who were scouted from the Special Operations Group, including myself, sometimes find themselves as coaches or players, yet we’re not producing outstanding players because the behavioral guidelines back home are very rigid."
The Case one-trick, and the reason such statements could arise.
He cautiously voiced such nuances.
The rigidness of the Apex Predator Japanese scene, due to its excellent results from the past two years, had focused more on maintaining the status quo rather than pursuing new tactics and developments, and it had transformed to the point where they couldn’t even manage that—he was relaying that to me.
"In the Special Operations Group, we conduct joint operations with Delta every quarter. In other words, this means they’re forces that aren’t significantly tied to the customs and traditions of a single country. Currently, those including myself—coaches and players on the same track—are experiencing friction with Japanese pro teams."
"I suppose that’s why you brought up the sensitivity. Do you trust me?"
"There’s a reason I didn’t invite someone with mediocre skills. The Korean team, and Yujin, have enough capacity to seize the top tier without publicizing such information, right?"
"If you say it like that, I can’t argue with you."
It was a conversation held with discretion. He was right.
It was truly a skilled display of conversational control. What Case said was indeed true—there was no need to broadcast that fact, as the Korean team was set to return with remarkable results compared to the previous year.
In any case, he continued speaking.
"In that regard, your appearance was an artistically timed stroke of genius. You seized the initiative within a moment that even Japan couldn’t manage to deal with its stagnant waters. To achieve clear results and quickly garner public opinion is excellent strategy."
"That sounds like you’re saying you regret not being able to do so."
"It truly is. Because I wasn’t able to. So now I intend to try, even if belatedly. By leveraging public opinion, I need to instigate a rigorous restructuring within the Japanese teams."
By now, our cups were completely empty, but he still had a rather refreshed expression as he added.
"So, please, in this match… I hope you can thoroughly destroy my home country. So everyone can understand that this cannot continue as it is."
And I chuckled.
My mouth opened.
"Creating the flow is my responsibility, but the choice of those who ride that wave is beyond my control."
"What do you mean by that?"
"The results will manifest, and someone will take advantage of those results. My presence has nothing to do with what you’re doing, and it’s not something I need to worry about."
"So, in today’s conversation, nothing happened."
"That’s right."
In other words, this was an implicit agreement.
It was time for the conversation to come to an end. Case and I stood up, and he lightly bowed his head to me.
With a small smile, he added,
"I wish you good results."
He lowered his head, but he couldn’t hide the subtle smile at the corners of his mouth.
It didn’t take long for the room to plunge back into silence.
"It seems a bit noisy around here. I heard someone important is giving the opening remarks…."
"Don’t worry about it too much. It would be better to practice drawing the floor plan in your head right now. Consider where to position the security personnel and, if you hit the mark…."
A brief silence.
Eager eyes.
"…Well, shall I give you a tail touching privilege?"
"Wait a second. Is there A4 paper around here?"
"I’ll just go to the management office for a bit. The floor plan should be around there."
Just don’t really go, you idiots.
Anyway, the surroundings were bustling, and the holographic clock floating in the air displayed the timer counting down to just a few minutes until the orientation began.
In fact, it was less of an orientation and more of a banquet disguised as one. Although everyone wasn’t wearing matching outfits, they all looked tidy. Of course, everyone was trying to guess who the VIP was that would take the stage.
Before long, the true Harmony and Dice also joined the line.
"I can’t imagine it being the president."
"Maybe the mayor of New York will show up. Don’t you have any guesses about who it is, Yujin?"
"…."
It was clear to anyone who was looking, but as I made a face that said I couldn’t tell, the two of them immediately gave up. The only person who could appear was none other than Henry, a senator from New York, who would grasp the reins of this vast nation in two years.
More than who would show up, what was more important was what he would say when he took the stage.
And soon, Dice and Minah also began to get the gist.
"…Come to think of it, you’ll be going up soon."
"Oh, really? Do the representatives from each country greet the VIP giving the opening remarks?"
"Rather than each country, it’s based on each continent. Asia, Europe, South America, Africa, North America… so last year, Case stood up there."
"I wonder what kind of conversation you had then?"
"Just, you know, the usual encouragement?"
I could only hope it would be like that.
And at that moment, the speakers mounted on the ceiling buzzed lightly as the lighting in the banquet hall gradually dimmed. Conversely, the lights on the stage began to shine brightly. It was an implicit indication that the much-rumored VIP was preparing to appear.
As the majestic atmosphere enveloped the room, the noise gradually died down, and a voice began to resonate from the walls.
And only applause followed.
No grand music played, but for now, that was enough. In just two days, all the deficiencies at this moment would be fulfilled.
Amidst the movement that felt the passage of time, someone walked in. Some knew who he was, while others did not. However, it was clear that everyone, except those completely disinterested in American politics, began to widen their eyes and stare at the stage.
It couldn’t be helped.
"Wait, I feel like I’ve seen that person somewhere…."
"Oh my God."
He was not merely a simple politician or senator. He was the next presidential candidate whose face had appeared on TV countless times, and the person closest to the pinnacle of American power began to walk in calmly. Even if they didn’t know, it wouldn’t matter; within just a few seconds, they would figure it out.
When everyone finally recognized who was giving the opening remarks, he paused in front of the stage to check the microphone—then a small alarm chimed from the wristwatch that served as a substitute for a phone.
The representatives determined through the preliminaries from each continent stepped forward first.
Harmony and Dice subtly added,
"Have a good time! You won’t be nervous at all, Yujin!"
"Don’t say anything strange when you go up there."
"…What do you think of my image?"
It seemed that upon returning, sufficient retribution would be necessary.
In any case, it didn’t take long for the five users, including myself, to ascend to the podium—ironically, Logan wasn’t the North American representative and was waiting below.
Thus, the opening remarks began, and the five of us made eye contact with Henry, who exchanged greetings and kind words with each of the representatives from different continents. Despite being strangers, it was somewhat ironic that the exterior conveyed a sense of closeness.
As I pondered whether this was an essential quality of a seasoned politician, Henry finally approached me.
Could it pass by without being ordinary?
And I realized I shouldn’t have had such thoughts.
His expression began to brighten suddenly, and I sensed something was off.
"Yujin, I’m glad to see you’ve been doing well."
Ignoring the stirring atmosphere, he opened his arms wide toward me—with a slight smirk, I exchanged a passionate greeting with him.
A conversation unfolded that would not be heard by anyone else.
"You seem quite lively, given this is not a public event, Senator."
"The fact that I have a friendship with you doesn’t pose any risk, so don’t worry. I’ve already prepared a scenario, so there’s no need for concern."
"I wouldn’t expect anything less from you."
Thus ended the embrace that felt eternal yet brief.
It was the moment when a rather troublesome weekend began.